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Glite Dictionary
warning coloration

warning coloration

5.6
Bright colors or patterns on an animal that tell predators not to eat it
  • noun
  • /ˈwɔrnɪŋ ˌkoʊləˈreɪʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : coloración de advertencia
  • This warning coloration is the basis for the evolution of mimicry by other butterflies, whether they are chemically defended or not.

Examples

  • The bright yellow and black stripes of the wasp serve as warning coloration to potential predators.

  • The vibrant colors of the coral snake act as warning coloration, signaling that it is highly venomous.

  • Poisonous frogs often exhibit warning coloration to deter animals from eating them.

Synonyms

aposematic coloration
vswarning coloration
  • Specialized
9.1

Bright colors on an animal that warn predators it is poisonous or dangerous to eat

is used to warn predators of unpalatability or danger without specifying poison

Antonyms

camouflage
19 4.6

Cloth with green, brown, and black shapes used to hide people in nature

How Conspicuous

warning coloration
  • Specialized
5.6
cryptic coloration
  • Specialized
7.1

Surface Forms

warning coloration singular
warning colorations plural

Morphology

warning + coloration

The meaning is directly compositional: 'warning' (serving as a caution) modifies 'coloration' (surface color pattern), so a learner who knows both words can infer it refers to coloring that warns predators. This adjective+noun pattern is straightforward and cross-linguistically common (e.g., aposematic/warning coloration), making it readily understandable to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Warning coloration comes from animals that have bright coloration which acts like a warning sign to predators. These bold colors tell others 'don't eat me' or that the animal is 'dangerous', so the term means coloring that warns predators not to attack or eat the animal.